what people are saying…
“We worked with Rich to help our members create more inclusive and diverse environments. This type of work is most effective when started at the top, so we had Rich work with our Board. His warm, approachable, nonjudgemental demeanor opened the eyes of even the most skeptical. By creating an atmosphere where difficult and uncomfortable conversations could happen, change was possible. He continues this successful work at all levels throughout our organization.”
Elizabeth McDaid
Foundation Executive Vice President, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
“I have hired and worked with Rich a number of times over the past 20 years and have deep respect for the impact he has and his commitment to his clients’ growth and success.
Rich is a gifted leadership trainer, facilitator (especially in more delicate, challenging situations), DEI trainer, and coach. He brings a rare blend of courage, empathy, insight, humor, teaching skills all forged from over 30 years of experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors.”
David Thomson
Principal, Coast Leadership Consulting Group
“Working with Rich was the best 2020 DEI investment we made. During a trying time in the US and a large population of white males, Rich was able to diffuse the tensions and create a safe learning environment where everyone felt included.
Our employees have pointed to sessions held by Rich as providing a blueprint for a more inclusive culture.
Some consultants have cookie cutter presentations that are generic in nature. Rich adjusts the material to fit the culture of the organization which makes the material real and relevant for participants.
I was surprised by the depth of knowledge of DEI topics and techniques that Rich was able to share. His depth of knowledge allowed him to adjust to scenarios brought up during discussion and provide tangible solutions.”
Jil Littlejohn Bostick
Former Director of Inclusion & Diversity, Hubbell Inc
“Rich is by far the most skilled facilitator I have ever worked with. He has an uncanny ability to integrate compassion, perspective, and truth into any organizational dilemma.
Rich holds the polarities between kindness and direct truth-telling, perspective and humor, intuition and cognition. He follows a conversation, asks questions, and works with what emerges. His comfort with discomfort is what makes him a master facilitator.
I’ve known Rich for over 30 years and know that he has encountered every type of personality and interaction possible. This gives him steadiness and consistency in any situation. He has the ability to “blend” with any person, any team, and any resistance. Leading from a place of curiosity instead of defensiveness or judgment, Rich shifts the conversation in the room every time.”
Sarah Healy
Co-Founder & Lead Trainer, The Blue Sky Project
“I’ve known Rich for 15 years and experienced him in a variety of facilitation roles. What has always impressed me is his ability to hold the space for a group of people to address what is really happening - to create an atmosphere where they feel safe to move below the surface and get to the “real” conversation that is at the heart of the work they are trying to do together.
When emotions flare, Rich expertly facilitates the group through it so that they come out on the other side with stronger relationships.”
Tonya Graham
Executive Director, The Geos Institute
“This man is a change-maker, a game-changer. He took us through a very challenging time in our organizational life in a way that was kind, thoughtful and no-nonsense.
Rich works very collaboratively to shape the agenda and approach to strategy meetings. With Rich’s assistance, we were able to spend less time than we had allotted to move through some important questions about the direction and scope of our work.
Since working with Rich our staff and board team are well-bonded, the container we have created is safe, strong and has what it will need to grow, expand and face external challenges. Staff retention is increasing, and my skills and expertise as a team leader have improved exponentially. So many great things!
Not only is he an effective facilitator, but he is fun, funny and heart-centered. He helps to make any training rich, deep and entertaining.”
Sarah Kreisman
Executive Director, Rogue Valley Mentoring